Category: 1999

Nobody better understands humanity’s innate desire for spectacle than K:Katsu Racing Team (KRT). Today, the team revealed a concept car at the 33rd Tokyo Motor Show which may at first seem familiar to fans and industry heads, but is certain to send a ripple through the motorsport world for years to come. KRT call it the Tormentor.

Developed as a spiritual successor to the 1984 KRT Torment, the Tormentor is at first glance an imprint of its older brother, favouring much of the same aggressive design language, including the iconic “Gold Yellow” paint job and scowling headlamps.

Under the hood, however, the Tormentor is an entirely different beast. It boasts an experimental F1 engine tuned to produce 1466hp, which means it can achieve speeds of up to 230mph, on a chassis that weighs approximately 180kg less than its predecessor.

KRT owner Yoji Cross was uncharacteristically enthusiastic in his announcement.

“It is the future of KRT,” said Cross. “Undoubtedly, it is also the future of racing. This is an incredible example of engineering which will inspire future generations to take risks […] The Tormentor is nightmarishly fast. If you have ever dreamed of power sliding around a corner at over 100mph, then this would be the car for you.”

We asked Mr Cross what it is like to drive the Tormentor.

“I cannot say,” he said. “But I can say what it is like to drive against it. You look in your rearview, and at first you think you are being chased by a madman with a chainsaw.”

KRT will not be able to use the Tormentor in the upcoming Lucid Lines 1999 GP in Reno, as restrictions prohibit the use of vehicles with more than 1000hp. Instead, the team are expected to use one of their flagship Incubus models for the opening race in December.

It has been announced that K:Katsu Racing Team (KRT) will remain active in motorsport after receiving significant funding from an anonymous investor.

Owner Yoji Cross said he wants to protect the identity behind the funds.

“I know who decided to help us,” said Cross, “but I don’t know them personally.”

Mr Cross’ team are now expected to enter the Lucid Lines 1999 GP later this year without any additional sponsorship, although he expects the news to generate interest in the team.

“We have made and received some calls, but no guarantees.”

Times have been difficult for KRT, after an accident last July in which lead driver Kohta Sakai lost his life in a serious accident. An independent investigation found KRT at fault, with Sakai’s vehicle declared unfit for purpose. The verdict struck a blow against Yoji Cross and KRT, with 6 major sponsors withdrawing support.

KRT are famous for their unusual car designs, developed in-house at their headquarters in Tokyo. Their most successful project, the V12-powered Torment, led the team to numerous victories in the late 1980s.